Whether college athletes should or should not be paid is among the most heated discussion topics in sports. The flames have furthered been fanned of late as the idea is dragged through the legal system as a part of the Ed O’Bannon suit against the NCAA.

The pay-for-play suit was a popular topic at college football media days throughout the country, and Texas coach Mack Brown was perhaps the most notable person to come out in favor of playing players. Seen in the quote below, as reported by ESPN’s Darren Rovell.

Texas coach Mack Brown: “I do think players need to be paid. These players are killing themselves & at Texas last year we made $163M.”

Brown’s Red River rival Bob Stoops is on the other side of the aisle, claiming that players already get enough return for their efforts with their scholarships.

The 61-year-old Brown is the second-highest paid coach in college football, earning $5.35 million a year, a number he notes would not be possible without his players.

The O’Bannon suit is ongoing, but statements like these show that change to the system could soon be forthcoming.

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